Kanosuke Hioki Pot Still Japanese Whisky (70cl, 51%)

Kanosuke Hioki Pot Still is a Japanese single grain whisky from Hioki Distillery in Kagoshima, part of the Komasa Jozo shochu house. Malted and unmalted barley are saccharified and fermented together, then distilled under reduced pressure in stainless steel pot stills. It matures in new American white oak puncheons of about 450 litres and in bourbon casks, and is bottled at 51%, non-chill-filtered and with natural colour. It became a permanent release in December 2023. The nose offers butter pastry, kabosu citrus, apricot and ume compote. The palate brings madeleine, oak, moderate saltiness, marmalade and satsuma. The finish is spicy, with vanilla, dry ginger and cinnamon over a lasting soft sweetness.